Mr. Speaker, I say to everyone listening that the hon. member for Dartmouth presented his case very well in opposition and in government. He has been a very forceful speaker and forceful lobbyist. I do not know if I can use that word; it is not really the right word to use. He has worked very hard for the port of Dartmouth and for his constituents. Time and time again I have sat through national caucus and Atlantic caucus. I have been in the House when he has asked numerous questions. He has made numerous speeches. He has the port of Halifax at heart as do all of us in Atlantic Canada. We are all one region. What happens in one part of the region affects the other economically.
Transportation is vital to Atlantic Canada. It is vital to the port of Halifax. I would have to go along with the member and say I agree wholeheartedly with his assessment of transportation in Atlantic Canada. I wholeheartedly agree with his assessment of rail transportation.
In northern New Brunswick rail transportation is very iffy at this point in time. I feel confident we will be able to maintain it. We have a mining area and we have ports. I think the suggestion of the hon. member that the rate of depreciation with regard to rolling stock be increased is a very good. It would make us more competitive with the U.S. The removal of the excise tax on diesel fuel whenever anything is transported via rail is also a good point. I hope the Minister of Finance will take them into consideration.
I would like to mention another point in closing. If no one else has a question perhaps the member could comment on it as well. I am referring to the establishment of a strategic procurement plan where the government, rather than give out contracts carte blanche, would try to use the plan to stimulate the economy, to see if companies would put money into research and development as a result of receiving contracts or make money available in venture companies as a result of receiving government contracts.